For nearly 30 years, Adventist Health Portland’s Mobile Audiology Van has brought hearing care directly to the community, providing hearing tests, printed results and referrals to local specialists or hearing aid providers. At the 2024 annual Health Care Equity Fair – organized by Oregon Health & Science University – Dr. Borgmeyer, lead audiologist at Adventist Health Portland, joined more than 12 community partners in attendance. In downtown Portland, they offered free health, skin, vision and dental screenings, as well as showers, hygiene products, clothing and food for people experiencing barriers to care. The Mobile Audiology Van served 20 adults that day, providing hearing screenings to underserved populations.

Why We Did It

Adventist Health Portland’s Mobile Audiology Van helps connect Portland’s most vulnerable residents to hearing care that they often cannot access on their own. Many people living on the streets face constant, high-level noise from traffic and downtown activity, which puts them at a greater risk for hearing loss. Dr. Borgmeyer notes that this nonstop exposure makes it difficult for them to protect their hearing or get help when problems start. The Mobile Audiology Van addresses this gap by bringing essential hearing services directly to people who need them most, supporting long-term health.